reading for: 11 November

Matthew 25:14-30

Accounting to our Master on that Day 

• READ

The parable of the talents is part of a lager segment known as the Olivet Discourse. Jesus is responding to his disciples’ question in Matthew 24:3. And that question is key to us understanding this parable. 

What is that question? In Matthew 24:3, the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked to know when the world would end and the signs to look out for. This parable is one part of that answer that reminds us of that day that will come where all of us will account to our Master Jesus.

A master goes on a journey and entrusts his property to his servants (v. 14). Some were entrusted with more and some with less (v. 15). Scholars have estimated that one talent may be equivalent to about $600, 000 today! So each servant were given plenty! 

Two of the servants proceed to grow the talents but one to bury it (v. 16-18). One day, the master comes home (v. 19) and calls his servants to account. He passes judgement on each of them, commending the servants who grew the talents and condemning the servant who buried the talent (v. 20-29).

The parable ends with the master casting the lazy and wicked servant into darkness, a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (v. 30). A terrifying and frightening end. No plot twist nor sequel. 

This parable holds important implications for us. None of us want that ending. Yet we all live in a time waiting for Jesus to return one day. And on that day, our Master who has entrusted us with much, will be asking us for an account. 

• REFLECT

What is the much that God has given you? Have you despised or neglected the much that He has given? Do you know what the Lord requires of you?

Pray and ask the Lord to help you remain faithful with the much that He has given, that you may not be caught unaware on that Day.

reading for: 12 November

Judges 4:1-7

Staying true to God in the Day of Evil

• READ

  The book of Judges takes place after the death of Joshua. It was a time in Israel’s history where there was no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6)! This dark period highlights both our tendency to evil and need for a righteous King who will lead us to do right in God’s eyes.

  In the absence of a “Moses-like” figure, God raises judges to lead Israel. And a continuous cycle is repeated from the beginning to the end. Israel starts by doing what is evil in God’s sight. Israel to be oppressed and cries out to God. God raises a judge to deliver them but after the death of the judge, Israel goes right back to doing evil in God’s sight. Rinse and repeat! 

  This was a time of great evil and darkness. Nonetheless, there were still glimmers of goodness and light. Of all the judges that God raised, Deborah stands as the brightest example. One who is righteous and godly. Deborah, a prophetess, judged Israel by giving godly counsel and speaking God’s Word to the people of Israel under the palm tree (v. 4-5). She consistently pointed to God in her instruction and leadership (v. 6-7). 

  In the context of Judges and from Deborah’s example, we see that it is possible to stay true to the commands of God. Obeying him every step of the way and trusting that he will deliver us from evil on that the day. Despite all the evil that was around, Deborah led the people of Israel to defeat the Canaanites and brought rest to the land for another 40 years (5:31). 

  The people of Israel flourished under the care  Deborah, a righteous judge and a godly leader. But spiralled into evil and darkness in the absence of one. It is clear that Israel needed a judge, leader and king to govern, lead and rule over them. 

  God provides this Judge, Leader and King in the person of Jesus. Jesus is the only one who consistently does what is right in the eyes of God. Under his governance, leadership and rulership we will truly thrive.

  Jesus, the righteous King that we all long for and the final Judge over all of creation is alive and is coming back one day. Until then, we must stay true to the Lord and His Word, and with the help of God, flourish and shine as lights in a dark world.

• REFLECT

  How can we help one another to stay true to the Lord? In our homes, workplaces, neighbourhood, families that God has put us in, are we shining as lights? How can we lead others to Jesus in our leadership?

reading for: 13 November

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Living with hope till we see that Day

• READ

  Death means little until it hits hard. When the reality of death comes close, it stops us in our tracks and causes us to question life. Specifically, the life that we are living and where we are heading.

  That was the situation the Thessalonian church were in. Some members of the church had died, causing some to question what happens after death (4:13-18). So Paul wrote this letter to offer hope and comfort for the church. Those who were grieving and those who had fallen into despair. 

  How does Paul offer hope and comfort? He does it by speaking about the second coming of Jesus (v. 1). He assures them that Jesus is coming back. We don’t know when but we know that his return be like a thief in the night (v. 2-3). He reminds them of their identity as children of light and children of the day. Urging them to stay awake and put on the necessary armour (v. 4-8)! Their future is firmly secured in Christ! And since they are not without hope, they are to build hope in one other (v. 9-11). 

  The Thessalonians were rightly anxious about their future but didn’t have to despair. They could live with hope and anticipation of Christ’s return!

  All of history is moving towards the day of Christ’s return. Every day that passes, is a day closer. What is of utter importance for the Thessalonians and us is to remember that we are of the day and belong to the light! We must keep watch, remain sober and stay awake till that day arrives! 

  Until then, we are to encourage one another and build hope, especially in the face of death. All of us can use need to be encouraged to stay hopeful and awake as we wait for the return of Jesus. 

• REFLECT

  Is there someone that comes to mind as you are reading this? What is one practical way you can encourage a him/her and build hope as we await the return of the King?

reading for: 14 November

Psalm 123

Looking and waiting for that Day of Mercy

• READ

  Psalm 123 is part of the “Songs of Ascents”, a special collection of 15 psalms comprising of psalms 120-134. Jerusalem is actually situated on the top of a hill.  And these psalms were sung as Israelites “ascended” the hills to the temple for worship. 

  Each of these psalms offer encouragement for us in various situations. Psalm 123 is a lament and a cry for God to show mercy in times where we are the object of contempt and scorn (vv. 3-4). 

  Psalms 123 encourages us to lift our eyes and look to the Lord! (v. 1). Like a servant looking to his master or a maiden looking to her mistress (v. 2). We’re invited to look and wait for that day when His mercy will come upon us. It’s a surety and a promise where the only question is timing.  

• REFLECT

  To feel contempt and scorn is to feel despised, shamed and discouraged. What is our natural response? Where do we go to find relief? Who do we look to for help in times of distress?

  Psalms 123 reminds us that our help comes from above. It comes from the Lord who is enthroned in the heavens. He alone can rescue and He alone can save. 

  If you’re feeling low, take time to be in the Lord’s presence. Look to Him and ask for for mercy. Keep your eyes on Him for our help is coming and God is never late! 

  Listen and sing “Everlasting God” by Chris Tomlin.